RiKD   United States. Jun 15 2026 05:09. Posts 9995
There is no doubt in my mind that it is revolution or death. What can be done?
* Philosophy for desire
* Dyson Swarm for energy
* Deep ecology for Earth (and the galaxy)
The philosophy may be the hardest part so I will save that for last.
Dyson Swarm for energy
A Dyson Swarm is a theoretical megastructure consisting of billions of independent satellites and solar collectors orbiting a star to capture its energy output. It would be the pinnacle of a Kardashev II civilization.
Kardashev I is extracting energy from the planet. It is a major noob play.
Kardashev II is extracting energy from the sun.
Kardashev III is extracting energy from the galaxy.
There is no Dyson Swarm without advanced technology in many areas. Primarily, we would have to learn how to mine asteroids. Asteroids are high in iron and nickel which are the primary components of steel and stainless steel. I will get more into deep ecology later but the idea is that nature is good in itself and should not just be thought of as a means to an end for humans. In my view, there is a big difference between mining "dead" asteroids and ravaging the rain forests. Of course, science might come to pass that mining asteroids on a scale of constructing a Dyson Swarm somehow fucks with the galactic ecology. Until then I am all about let's go for it.
There are also the setbacks of who owns the Dyson Swarm. If Elon Musk and Spacex have a monopoly on the endeavour I don't feel as comfortable. Same if the USA government or China government are Dyson Swarm oligarchies.
If you can find more holes or improvements I'm certainly open to hearing them.
Deep Ecology for Earth (and the galaxy)
Here is where it gets tricky. Mass expansion in space and deep ecology on Earth I don't know how the two co-exist. Hypercapitalism may get us the Dyson Swarm but it may ravage the planet and it could also have a negative effect on humanity. Who gets to live on a pristine Earth? It's quite a balancing act. I think the motive is what matters but that is tricky too. Expand for survival or The Good Life or even just scientific curiousity but let's not make it Imperialism 2.0. It's one of my critisisms for Kardashev III. I thought I was vehemently against Kardashev III because of The Dark Forest Theory. The Dark Forest Theory basically states that the universe is a dark forest full of hunters and you never want to show yourself. A massive interstellar civilization across galaxies is kind of like a giant blinking sign "We are here." However, in a free society how can I as one person deny curiousity or avoiding extinction. I could see where having a 3 star civilization is hedging against catastrophe but personally I don't see myself going on any of these expeditions even if it meant saving my life. I'd rather meditate on a beach in Hawaii. Basically, I am in favor of moving all mining (and industry) to space that makes sense. Then, the question arises are their limits? Do we mine Europa or Io for example?
Philosophy (and art) for desire
We can learn a lot from the philosophers and the artist in regards to how to live a life without scarcity. Who gets to live in Hawaii? Will Hawaii even be above the ocean? The global South is still probably fucked. Even with revolution we can't overturn the harm done to the planet. What about hierarchy and oppression? What are people going to do all day? We have like 5 billion more years of Kardashev II with this sun?
So, it's a major balancing act and a lot can go wrong but I propose we move to l337 Kardashev II (Dyson Swarm) as fast as possible and then HODL for a while until we can figure out the next best steps. Hopefully, that is possible without totally ruining the planet, AI taking a bad turn, authoritarian regimes taking over, wars, whatever else there is. I think l337 Kardashev II is a better shot than eco-socialism sitting on Kardashev I. The key will be restraint at l337 Kardashev II. All the conquerers will be out in full force trying to expand to new frontiers (markets) and I think that would be incredibly irresponsible.
0 votes
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RiKD   United States. Jun 15 2026 05:22. Posts 9995
I think my biggest question is:
Is l337 Kardashev II actually better than a l337 Eco-socialism?
There is probably something in the middle that can work or rather a Kardashev II without a Dyson Swarm. A Kardashev II with Eco-socialism.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 15 2026 05:25. Posts 9995
Is a "dead" asteroid belt really dead?
Do we have the right to fuck up the asteroid belt and other moons and planets?
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RiKD   United States. Jun 15 2026 05:26. Posts 9995
Is hierarchy and oppression among humans inevitable?
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RiKD   United States. Jun 15 2026 05:27. Posts 9995
Who is "we" in this essay?
The engineering is probably easier than the politics.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 15 2026 05:34. Posts 9995
Can a society become godlike in capability without becoming godlike in domination?
Can we have the power of Alexander with the soul of Diogenes?
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RiKD   United States. Jun 15 2026 05:37. Posts 9995
What value system survives when a civilization gains Kardashev II level capacity?
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RiKD   United States. Jun 15 2026 05:39. Posts 9995
It all still comes down to hierarchy and oppression. How do we design a civilization where increasing power does not automatically convert into domination?
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RiKD   United States. Jun 16 2026 18:01. Posts 9995
I've been thinking about this mini-essay. There is always the shiny ball of Sci-Fi but at the core I am trying to answer this:
What does it mean to live well, and how do we do so without dominating each other or the world around us?
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qu4nTum-fLuX   Canada. Jun 18 2026 04:51. Posts 370
Please seek professional help
Last edit: 18/06/2026 04:51
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 19 2026 19:17. Posts 301
iono rikd needs more resources that will help him get outta a funk or something iono though gl rikd
im too tired to read all that stuff rikd but u do u n just acquire more resources
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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RiKD   United States. Jun 21 2026 01:56. Posts 9995
On June 18 2026 03:51 qu4nTum-fLuX wrote:
Please seek professional help
u
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RiKD   United States. Jun 21 2026 02:01. Posts 9995
On June 19 2026 18:17 newgeinnings wrote:
iono rikd needs more resources that will help him get outta a funk or something iono though gl rikd
im too tired to read all that stuff rikd but u do u n just acquire more resources
It's more than resources. Maybe I'm in a funk but I'm also funky. It's important to distinguish that.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 21 2026 02:01. Posts 9995
The drums on this Vegyn track are so dope.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 21 2026 02:25. Posts 9995
What does it mean to live well, and how do we do so without dominating each other or the world around us?
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 21 2026 05:11. Posts 301
On June 19 2026 18:17 newgeinnings wrote:
iono rikd needs more resources that will help him get outta a funk or something iono though gl rikd
im too tired to read all that stuff rikd but u do u n just acquire more resources
It's more than resources. Maybe I'm in a funk but I'm also funky. It's important to distinguish that.
you are pretty funny , but first resources n I understand it may be more than just resources but control what you can control n let it play out.
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 21 2026 05:12. Posts 301
On June 21 2026 01:25 RiKD wrote:
What does it mean to live well, and how do we do so without dominating each other or the world around us?
thats a good question, when people learn to share I guess simple answer but to give a long answer hmmm
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 21 2026 05:45. Posts 301
I remember when Baal posted some funny meme about superman and energy so when the world has enough cheap energy and resources for all I hope we will share
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 00:24. Posts 9995
On June 19 2026 18:17 newgeinnings wrote:
iono rikd needs more resources that will help him get outta a funk or something iono though gl rikd
im too tired to read all that stuff rikd but u do u n just acquire more resources
It's more than resources. Maybe I'm in a funk but I'm also funky. It's important to distinguish that.
you are pretty funny , but first resources n I understand it may be more than just resources but control what you can control n let it play out.
I said FUNKY not funny but I'll take funny (and funky -- fonkey).
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 00:25. Posts 9995
On June 21 2026 01:25 RiKD wrote:
What does it mean to live well, and how do we do so without dominating each other or the world around us?
thats a good question, when people learn to share I guess simple answer but to give a long answer hmmm
Learning to share is not a bad start. Not a bad start at all.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 00:29. Posts 9995
On June 21 2026 04:45 newgeinnings wrote:
I remember when Baal posted some funny meme about superman and energy so when the world has enough cheap energy and resources for all I hope we will share
Yeah, I like that meme. Not sure where it is buried at the moment.
Kind of reminds me of The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin.
RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 01:36. Posts 9995
I kind of want to root for a race to Kardashev II but I don't think that would be net good for humanity. How much is enough?
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RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 01:41. Posts 9995
BTW J,
I think it's just you and me on here again...
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RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 01:45. Posts 9995
Humanity may eventually need large-scale space industry and solar energy to secure its long-term future. But the moral challenge is ensuring that increasing power does not automatically convert into increasing domination.
Btw, it's not secure long-term future by any means necessary or is it? That's another philosophical question altogether.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 02:20. Posts 9995
The drums on this track really get me going:
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 22 2026 11:39. Posts 301
On June 19 2026 18:17 newgeinnings wrote:
iono rikd needs more resources that will help him get outta a funk or something iono though gl rikd
im too tired to read all that stuff rikd but u do u n just acquire more resources
It's more than resources. Maybe I'm in a funk but I'm also funky. It's important to distinguish that.
you are pretty funny , but first resources n I understand it may be more than just resources but control what you can control n let it play out.
I said FUNKY not funny but I'll take funny (and funky -- fonkey).
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
yea but I said ur pretty funny though both can be true non.
GOOOOOOD!!!
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 22 2026 11:39. Posts 301
On June 21 2026 01:25 RiKD wrote:
What does it mean to live well, and how do we do so without dominating each other or the world around us?
thats a good question, when people learn to share I guess simple answer but to give a long answer hmmm
Learning to share is not a bad start. Not a bad start at all.
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 22 2026 11:40. Posts 301
On June 22 2026 00:36 RiKD wrote:
I kind of want to root for a race to Kardashev II but I don't think that would be net good for humanity. How much is enough?
you want co operations not a race
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 22 2026 11:40. Posts 301
On June 22 2026 00:41 RiKD wrote:
BTW J,
I think it's just you and me on here again...
thats fine
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 22 2026 11:56. Posts 301
the boomers+ isn't cooperating but hopefully future generations can though I have faith in humanity
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 16:15. Posts 9995
I don't know if I have faith in humanity...
I definitely don't have faith in alien civilizations to not annihilate us on sight.
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 22 2026 16:52. Posts 301
lol we are the wild one still posting on LP while most are just doing their thang
pretty sure aliens are watching us right now and eating popcorn lol jk but the human race is popcorn worthy
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 18:26. Posts 9995
You could be correct.
Or we could already be in a simulation. One big reality tv show or many reality tv shows. When I'm manic I think I'm in The Truman Show but it's The RiKD Show (with better technology). There is probably some truth to it. I've had Truman Show boat hits the wall moments but of course I was psychotic. Or was I more lucid than ever? I've already been in hell. I've already travelled to other galaxies. I've already been the star of a show that is galactically popular. I wouldn't recommend any of these things. That's what I'm trying to get across to Elon and The Overlords.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 22 2026 18:31. Posts 9995
Do you know how lonely it is in empty solar systems? That is the lonliest I've ever been. Trapped in a broken space ship galaxies away with a limited water and food supply surrounded by space. It was like that movie Gravity but impossibly far away. The only option to sit there and meditate before I die of dehydration.
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 23 2026 02:23. Posts 301
hmmm
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
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RiKD   United States. Jun 23 2026 05:09. Posts 9995
I've lived 'em all. I wouldn't suggest it. Somehow I am still here.
In otherwords, if my mind thought those things and my mind lived those things then I lived those things even though I probably didn't live those things or did I? Some were dreams, some were (altered) consciousness, some were I don't know. I talked about this with a friend of mine who is also Bipolar I and he got it right away as he had had similar experiences. I'm sure metaphysics has covered this topic but I've never delved into it at an academic level.
Last edit: 23/06/2026 05:09
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RiKD   United States. Jun 24 2026 05:09. Posts 9995
Just chillin' listening to some early Bon Iver and sippin' some tea. I was motivated to tune up my 6-string electric and play for a while. The strings need to be changed and I'll need a setup at that point but I wish I could just magically exchange the strings. The action is perfect on that baby. My guitar teacher did a really good job with my guitar. But I think I am going to start taking piano lessons. I'm also taking up my 4-string p bass to my brother's. He is a cello virtuoso so can probably play it pretty well. Definitely better than I could. If he likes it I figure I'll give it to him. My nephew is getting pretty good at the drums. Some father-son groove sessions could be a lot of fun.
I don't know if I mentioned it but I got a macbook air the other day and got Logic Pro as well. I like the interface and experience. It's a little tough learning all the hotkeys but it's not hugely different to any DAW I've used but the hotkeys are a bit different. It seems pretty easy to use though and figure out. I'm looking forward to getting together with some people and making some music.
As far as saving civilization. I'm kind of taking a break from that endeavour. I'm more concerned about the Rat Park. Elon and The Overlords are gonna Overlord. All the tech bros are going to change course to the race towards Kardashev II. I suppose it's better than crypto and NFTs. That is kind of what I'm talking about meaning. Someone spending their life's energy and attention on NFTs..... Go into energy or transportation. That is where I would like to go. Specifically solar energy. Being an essential worker in a grocery store doesn't feel bad. It doesn't particularly feel that good either. I realize someone has to be there to help these people with their food purchases but let's not blow it out of proportion. I think I got a better feeling seeing the slabs moving out of the continuous caster in a steel mill but most of that steel was going to exposed automotive (think Fords or Toyotas). I remember times lying in my bed all day depressed listening to sad NIN songs because I felt numb at the poker tables. Just grinding extracting from rich fish. There were also times when I was battling and winning and those were the best days. If I could live how I was living in Buenos Aires or Malta I could definnitely put up with poker. Actually nothing would ever work out until I got a better grasp on my alcoholism and Bipolar I. I feel like I am ready or close to ready to try my hand at something a little more challenging and in an area like solar energy. Or I'll just stay a bum and read and make music and go for walks and type up blogs on here.
I don't think there really is meaning. There are wants and desires. I think we can trick ourselves that there is meaning. There was something magical though about seeing a truck show up with 44,000 lbs. of your material like clockwork. The tundish getting constructed. Watching the ladle come over and hot steel pour into the tundish and into the mold and turn into slabs that would be taken out on rail to the reheat furnaces and finishing area. Then the coils getting shipped out to Ford and Toyota. Some of the masons drove cars they helped build. It felt a lot better than bumhunting and extracting from fish. But in poker it definitely felt good to not have a boss and to do whatever the fuck I wanted. I could also do whatever the fuck I wanted within reason in Steel. As long as my numbers were good I could do just about whatever I wanted and I did. I was a wild stallion. I think I have been broken but I still have that wildness in me. I don't know if I'll ever truly get rid of it. It's like that movie Cool Hand Luke. But going to Hell broke me badly. I don't ever want to go back there.
So, I don't know. I'm in a weird place right now. I don't think I'm rooting for insurrections or the economy to crumble but I don't want Elon and The Overloads to have total power in the race to Kardashev II. Insurrections and economies crumbling are inevitable though. Every Middle Eastern and African nation are probably on that path specifically with the continuation of climate change. Syria is a shit show but maybe at least we got Rojava? I don't know. It seems wrong to root for collapse. I have to think more about this.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 25 2026 16:51. Posts 9995
Boy, I sure write a lot sometimes. It had to be written.
It makes less sense that I write it here where my "audience" (of 2 people) probably don't read anything past 3 lines. We may find out if they even read that far. HA!
It had to be written though. It's partiallly how I process things.
I have the day off today but there are a lot of things I have to do to get ready for vacation. E X I S T E N C E. Existence seems to be weighing heavy on me right now.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 26 2026 04:17. Posts 9995
Man, I don't know how to save humanity. I don't know how to do anything. I barely could get laundry done today.
I did find a place I might be able to take piano lessons. I have no interest in learning how to perform classical pieces which I am afraid they might like to teach that. I'm really going for broad musical lessons that happen to be on the piano. Just something that when I plug in my 88 key midi controller I will feel a bit more confident that I have some idea of what I am doing. I don't want to be so limited on the keyboard by my lack of skill. Hopefully, it will translate to the guitar and the bass.
It's gotten down to working 3 really tough shifts until I get to go on vacation. There is also the stress of getting ready for vacation.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 26 2026 05:07. Posts 9995
I am back to spending all my money on music. I think I'll start with piano lessons and see how that goes. I have a piano I can practice on.
Then, depending on how the lessons go I'll pick up:
I already have the Steinberg UR12 Audio Interface which is decent but I would have to get a USB-C chord and install drivers and I'd think I'd just rather upgrade.
I also already have an Akai MPK mini MIDI controller but it's kind of shit and limiting. It served its purpose but now it is time to scale up.
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PuertoRican   United States. Jun 27 2026 04:37. Posts 13261
On June 26 2026 04:07 RiKD wrote:
I am back to spending all my money on music.
Good luck with that
Rekrul is a newb
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RiKD   United States. Jun 28 2026 01:20. Posts 9995
I can't tell if that is genuine or not.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 28 2026 22:04. Posts 9995
Loco is past due for dropping something dope but I don't want him to force it. I'll be alright either way but I am bored and thought of that.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 28 2026 22:05. Posts 9995
I want to go for a walk but it's 97 outside. I guess if I stay in the tree shade I could pull it off.
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RiKD   United States. Jun 29 2026 19:32. Posts 9995
I think every time we utter "Loco" the return gets pushed back. We probably won't see him 'til Autumn now. I don't blame him. We got J posting the gambling chronicles, I'm posting half-baked manifesto rough drafts, and PR stops by every 2 weeks to add nothing of value.
Hope you are doing well brah. May your job not suck too bad and may you retire early with a burgeoning investment portfolio.
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newgeinnings   Canada. Jun 30 2026 20:25. Posts 301
LOL LOL LOL
Let the world sleep when she awakes we will be in paradise :)
I don't have much to share. Enjoying the new boards of Canada album, give that a spin. Backrooms is a good watch. Obsession too but it hit a little too close to home for me.
I bought a house and I'm about to move in. That's my biggest investment currently, but more importantly I needed it for my health. I'm unemployed currently, will be back on the grind after the move most likely. If not, maybe ill do a retreat.
fuck I should just sell some of my Pokemon cards, if no one stakes that is what I will have to do - lostaccount
Last edit: 01/07/2026 02:13
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RiKD   United States. Jul 02 2026 02:58. Posts 9995
Congrats on the house!
What kind of retreat are you thinking about?
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RiKD   United States. Jul 02 2026 19:50. Posts 9995
I'm actually pretty happy holed up in my bro's place in the Midwest. It's probably more of a retreat than an action packed vacation or going to the spa or something. I am getting a bit of cabin fever after 2 days of them being at work and no one being around though. My sister said she would get lunch yesterday but didn't call until 3pm to say she didn't feel like doing anything. It's ok I'll see her tonight at dinner and tomorrow.
I would love to rent a cabin in the woods in Maine. Maybe by the ocean too. Just go for a lot of hikes, read a lot, and meditate.
I've been reading the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous too in the downtime. That was the only thing I had downloaded on my phone when I was trapped 30,000 feet in the air so I started reading it and have continued reading it trapped in a suburban household. The only things in walking distance are farms and a golf course. Not that I even want to walk anywhere at 3pm in 95 degree heat.
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RiKD   United States. Jul 02 2026 19:54. Posts 9995
Maybe I'll go to Costa Rica again. I would get on a plane for Costa Rica.
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RiKD   United States. Jul 02 2026 19:56. Posts 9995
Maybe Newb should go on a "retreat" to Las Vegas. Enough debauchery and enough hoes will make anyone forget for at least a minute.
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RiKD   United States. Jul 02 2026 19:58. Posts 9995
White water rafting the Savage River and eating wild pineapples from the tree is my kind of day.
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RiKD   United States. Jul 02 2026 20:01. Posts 9995
Getting STDs and having a child out of wedlock is not my kind of day.
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RiKD   United States. Jul 02 2026 21:26. Posts 9995
My brother mentioned the other day that he thought he might rather be a high school math teacher with tenure. His manager reports to the CEO. The salary can purchase a lot. He seemingly has endless paid vacation. He has a beautiful house. I think maybe I went wrong with not wanting to be a high school teacher or a lawyer but I can't help not wanting those things.
I played lacrosse with my nephew yesterday. I haven't touched a stick since I was in college but I still got it. I could see myself coaching a high school team as an assistant. I was bad D-1 college level athletically but skill wise and strategy wise I'm up there with anyone.... No, not really but it's not too far off with some study.
I jammed with my nephew yesterday too. He laid the beat down on the drums and I played bass. For like 2 minutes there I thought maybe I had acheived enlightenment but then my nephew lost the beat and the groove got fucked up and we were back on planet Earth. Even though I think I'm going to go with the piano in the near future I'll probably take the bass and amp with me. My brother hasn't shown any interest in playing. Really, if he picked it up tonight and had a good time I'd be totally fine in leaving the bass and the amp. I don't know what happened. The hot weather like reset my bass and it doesn't buzz anymore. It's a lot more fun to play.
I keep thinking about going into solar energy but I don't know where. I am afraid of electrical and heights and ladders and roofs so installing is out. I don't have a material sciences degree even though I've studied it quite a lot. Account management or product management maybe I could bullshit my way through it until my studying could catch up. I still am not comfortable driving all over the place. That cuts out a lot of jobs. My resume is a bit of a disaster as well. I have 2 breaks of 2 years in the last 10 years and it's all food and beverage and retail jobs.
I have been super stoked to not be required to be on shifts the last half week even if I'm not getting paid vacation. It's making me realize I should plan more vacations even if they are not paid but it's also making me realize I need to find something where I can get like 5 weeks paid vacation.
I'm looking forward to going to Tennessee to see my Uncle. I've never been to Tennessee. That will be a day of mountain hiking and coming home to some home cooked Pad Thai by my Aunt. Mixing nature and food is basically the pinnacle for me. I should remember that. Walking and reading are pretty strong pillars for me but nature and food might be a stronger base. I heard a story about Henry David Thoreau (Walden) that he would leave Walden Pond and go to his mother's for home cooked meals. I don't know if that story is true but I would have to find some good food up in that Maine cabin. I wouldn't want to just eat wild blueberries although I would probably love to do that for a day or two.
I guess it is about time to start getting ready for dinner. I don't have to figure out Life in one afternoon. Peace.